Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward
Sir: With reference to your notes of the 7th and 17th ultimo, relative to the information furnished to you by the United States consul at Halifax, respecting projected raids into the United States territory, I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter which was addressed by his excellency the governor of Nova Scotia to the United States consul, as to the necessity of giving him in the first instance the earliest intelligence of any raid into the United States contemplated by parties connected with that province, either as transient travellers or otherwise.
His excellency further observes, that if there existed any similar and proved necessity for investing the governor with extraordinary powers as in Canada, the legislature would not hesitate to give them; but that, at present, from the best information which he can procure, he has reason to think that no such powers are required in Halifax.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.